New Coral Springs City Hall could cost $25 million

CORAL SPRINGS — At a recent retreat, city officials were given the estimated price-tag for a new City Hall: $25 million. But some commissioners said there's no way they'll let the plan push through.

For about a year, Mayor Roy Gold has proposed closing both City Hall buildings on the north and south sides of Sample Road to construct one large, modern facility.

City officials said municipal bonds would be the best way to cover the expense, and that adding a parking garage could cost more.

"You take that number and it can become a $50 million project when it's all said and done," said Commissioner Vince Boccard.

But Boccard said he doesn't want taxpayers to have an additional expense right now.

"To be honest with you, we're not ready for a City Hall," he said. "We don't have the funding source and right now we're concentrating on bringing more curb appeal back to the city. We're reinvesting in the city, redoing our parks, our medians. That's what draws families and businesses to Coral Springs. City Hall is a place to conduct meetings. We don't need that right now."

Commissioner Larry Vignola won't support it either. "Do we need a City Hall? Absolutely. On the flip side, there's a lot of things I'd like to buy but with the economy the way it is, is it the right decision? No. We need to get our own house in order financially first. We'll do it at the right time. It's starting to anger me we have to continue to answer questions about a new City Hall — the majority of residents do not want it."